Method of reading a barcode and deactivating an electronic article surveillance tag

ABSTRACT

A method for managing the reading of a barcode and deactivation of an EAS tag relative to an EAS effective range and a depth of field (DoF) of the scanner is described. A product may comprise a barcode and a co-located EAS tag. The method uses a distance sensing system to sense how far the product is located from the scanner front window. The method only outputs the decoded data of the barcode when the product is inside an EAS effective distance. When the product is inside the EAs effective distance, the EAS tag on the product is deactivated. When a customer leaves a store with the EAS tag deactivated, a store alarm may not sound. When the product is outside of the EAS effective distance, but inside the DoF, the decoded data of the barcode is discarded.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application for Invention No. 201710057072.3 for A Method of Reading a Barcode and Deactivating an Electronic Article Surveillance Tag filed on Jan. 26, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems, and, more particularly, to a method for reading a barcode and deactivation of an EAS tag.

BACKGROUND

Generally speaking an EAS system is a technology used to identify articles as they pass through a gated area. This identification is used to alert someone that unauthorized removal of items is being attempted.

In EAS systems, there can be the situation that the scanner DoF is longer than the EAS effective distance. In this case, the barcode can be read at the far end of the DoF, which may be a distance that is greater than the EAS effective distance. This situation means that the EAS tag that is co-located with the barcode on the product would not be deactivated since the EAS tag is out of EAS effective range. Since the EAS tag is not deactivated, an alarm would be activated when the customer passes through the security system of the store even though the customer purchased the article.

Therefore, there exists a need to manage the effective range of an EAS system relative to the depth of field (DoF) of the scanner to avoid such customer dissatisfaction situations.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention embraces an indicia reader with a distance sensing system. The distance sensing system may be used to sense the distance of a machine-readable indicia on the object from the indicia reader. Decoding and outputting of the machine-readable indicia may only occur if the measured distance is less than a pre-defined range. In another aspect, the indicia reader may be a scanner, the machine-readable indicia may be a barcode, and the pre-defined range may be an EAS effective range.

In an exemplary embodiment, a method for reading a barcode and deactivating an EAS tag comprises decoding data from a barcode located on a product with a scanner, wherein the barcode is positioned in front of the scanner and inside a depth of field (DoF) of the scanner; determining, with a distance sensing system, a distance between the scanner and the EAS tag, wherein, the distance sensing system is a component of the scanner. Only if the distance from the scanner to the EAS tag is less than an EAS range, the barcode decoded data is output by the scanner to a host and the scanner sends a signal to an EAS device. (The signal sent to the EAS device may be an input/output signal or a message signal, e.g., a deactivation tag signal.) The EAS device subsequently may send a deactivation signal to the EAS tag that de-activates the EAS tag. Then, the scanner sends a status message to a user via the host based on information received from the EAS device and scanner. Wherein the host and the EAS device are coupled to the scanner. The method further comprises: only if the distance from the scanner to the barcode is greater than the EAS range, discarding the barcode decoded data and providing a negative indication to the user of the host.

The distance sensing system may be based on infrared (IR) wireless technology. The status message may be an audible message and/or a visual message. An EAS system may comprise the EAS device and the scanner that may be based on radio frequency technology. An EAS system may comprise the EAS device and the scanner that may be based on acousto-magnetic technology. An EAS system may comprise the EAS device and the scanner that may be based on electromagnetic technology.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of reading a machine-readable indicia may comprise determining, with a device, a distance between the device and an object; attempting to decode, with the device, a machine-readable indicia on the object. Only if the determined distance between the device and the object is within a pre-defined range, data representative of the machine-readable indicia is generated. The machine-readable indicia may be decoded or non-decoded machine-readable indicia. Wherein the pre-defined range is a working range of an electronic article surveillance system within the device. Wherein the machine-readable indicia may a barcode.

If the determined distance between the device and the object is not within the pre-defined range, the device provides a negative indication to a user of the device. Providing a negative indication may comprise generating a sound having a low tone. Providing a negative indication may comprise illuminating a light source.

Only if the determined distance between the device and the object is within the pre-defined range, the device provides a positive indication to a user of the device. Providing a positive indication may comprise generating a sound having a high tone. Providing a positive indication may comprise illuminating a light source.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the method of reading a barcode a method for reading a barcode and deactivating an EAS tag may comprise decoding data of a barcode with a scanner, wherein the barcode is positioned in front of the scanner and inside a depth of field (DoF) of the scanner; determining a distance between the scanner and barcode. Only if the distance from the scanner to the barcode is within a pre-defined range, the method comprises outputting barcode decoded data to a host that is coupled to the scanner and providing a positive indication to a user associated with the host. Only if the distance from the scanner to the barcode is greater than the pre-defined range, the method comprises discarding the barcode decoded data and providing a negative indication to a user associated with the host. The negative indication may be an audible and/or visual message. The distance between the scanner and the barcode may be determined by a distance sensing system that may be based on infrared (IR) wireless technology.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an EAS system comprising radio frequency technology

FIG. 2 illustrates a barcode and an EAS tag.

FIG. 3 illustrates an EAS deactivation zone.

FIG. 4 illustrates an EAS system comprising an EAS device, a host and a scanner that includes a distance sensing system.

FIG. 5 illustrates the flowchart of a method for reading of a barcode and deactivation of an EAS tag relative to an EAS effective range and a depth of field (DoF) of the scanner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention embraces a method for reading a barcode and deactivation of an EAS tag relative to an EAS effective range and a depth of field (DoF) of the scanner. A product may comprise a barcode and a co-located EAS tag. The method uses a distance sensing system to sense how far the product is located from the scanner front window. The method only outputs the decoded data of the barcode when the product is inside an EAS effective distance. When the product is inside the EAS effective distance, the EAS tag on the product is deactivated. When a customer leaves a store with the EAS tag deactivated, a store alarm may not sound. When the product is outside of the EAS effective distance, but inside the DoF of the scanner, the decoded data of the barcode is discarded. The present invention is intended to use the distance sensing system using IR or any other system that realizes the same function. Reading a barcode includes decoding a barcode and outputting the decoded barcode data. The barcode data output to the host may be decoded or non-decoded data.

As noted herein, EAS is a technology used to identify articles or products as they pass through a gated area. This identification is used to alert someone that unauthorized removal of items is being attempted. EAS systems are useful where there is an opportunity for theft of items of any size. The primary environment for an EAS system is retail stores; however, an increasing number of warehouses and distribution centers are installing the equipment.

Four types of EAS systems the retail industry include radio frequency (RF), electromagnetic (EM) acousto-magnetic (AM), and microwave (MW). Microwave (MW), was the first technology used for anti-theft systems and can be far less reliable and accurate than the other three aforementioned systems. In each technology, an EAS tag or label is attached to an article or product. The EAS tag/label is in an active state when guarding against product theft. When in the active state, a tag will sound an alarm if passed through the detection field located between EAS pedestals. When the EAS tag/label is deactivated, the alarm does not sound.

The type of EAS system dictates how wide the exit/entrance aisle may be, and the physics of a particular EAS tag and technology determines which frequency range is used to create a surveillance area.

Radio frequency (RF) systems are one of the most widely used systems. The basic idea is that the tag may have a helical antenna etched from thin aluminum bonded to a piece of paper. At the end of the antenna is a small diode or RC network that may cause the tag to emit a radio signal in response to the radio signal it receives.

In an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 1 illustrates an EAS RF system 100 that that may provide a direct path swept transmitter signal 7.4 MHz to 8.8 MHz 112 and may operate as follows: 1) An RF EAS label (˜8 MHz Tag 102), an electronic circuit and antenna is attached to a product; 2) A transmitter pedestal (Transmitter 104) emits a specific frequency (Swept Transmitter Signal 106); 3) The EAS label responds to the transmitted frequency (Reradiated Signal 108); 4) The response from the label is then picked up by the adjacent receiver pedestal (Receiver 110); 5) The response signal is then processed by the system and will trigger an alarm if it matches specific criteria.

The distance between the two gates can vary, but on average is not much more than two meters (2 m). Operating frequencies for RF systems generally range from 2 to 10 MHz. Most of the time, RF systems use a frequency sweep technique in order to deal with different label frequencies. To disarm the tag, a strong RF pulse blasts the tag and burns out the diode or RC components, thus eliminating response signals between the gates.

EAS and Bar Code Scanners. Since the mid-90's, EAS integration into bar code scanners has been a growing trend for those scanners that target the retail POS market. Some bar code scanners can integrate RF-based EAS deactivation. The reason RF may be the most common EAS platform within bar code scanners is due to its simple design. All that may be required is a single closed loop antenna system capable of carrying the RF pulse generated from the EAS deactivator. The complexity with magnetic fields associated with EM and AM technology may cause many more design problems due to shielding of electronic components and space limitations within the scanner housing.

RF EAS label is equivalent to EAS tag. In real use case, the EAS tag is a label that attached to the surface of the products to protect against burglars. The barcode is printed on the label (or somewhere else on the products).

The Depth of Field (DoF) standards is the range that the scanner able to decode the code. For example, if one can read a resolution QR code from 0 to 23 cm range in front of the window, then one can say the scanner's DoF for the QR code is 0˜23 cm.

So, if the EAS effective range is 0˜10 cm the scanner would only decode and output the code when it is placed in 0˜10 cm range. For the range of 10˜23 cm the scanner is able to decode but it won't output the result to host because the sensed distance is longer than 10 cm. As discussed herein, EAS range, EAS effective range, and EAS deactivation range are equivalent terms.

Regard “distance sensing system”, there are several methods to implement such a system. First, a distance sensing system may comprise an IR (Infrared Radiation) transmitting/receiving module. A microcontroller device of the module converts the received analog signal from the receiving module to a digital value. The software then determines the distance by this value. An alternative method for a distance sensing system is to utilize proximity sensors that are common in smart phones. Most of these sensors are based on the ToF (Time of Flight) technology which will shoot a laser light and then calculate the distance by the time interval between transmitting and receiving. A third method can utilize an ultrasonic wave instead of laser light to sense the distance.

In another exemplary embodiment 200, FIG. 2 illustrates barcode 202 and EAS tag 204. Generally, barcode 202 and EAS tag 204 may be co-located on a product/object. In an EAS system, there may be a separated EAS device. The antenna (with transmitter module) may be installed inside the scanner. So, the EAS tag can be deactivated along with the barcode reading. And the distance sensing system is part of the scanner system and has its own transmitting and receiving module.

In yet another exemplary embodiment 300, FIG. 3 illustrates an EAS deactivation zone. As illustrated, the EAS tag must pass through the deactivation zone area in order for deactivation to occur. The deactivation zone may be considered when determining the EAS effective range.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, FIG. 4 illustrates an EAS system 400 comprising EAS device 402, scanner 406, and host 407. Scanner 406 may be coupled to host 407 via cable 409 and scanner 406 may be coupled to EAS device 402 via cable 404 and cable 405. Cable 405 may support the transfer of data messages and cable 404 may support the transfer of a deactivation signal from the EAS device. The deactivation signal is sent via cable 404 to a transmitter and EAS antenna 410 located in scanner 406. In turn, the deactivation signal may be wirelessly transmitted to an EAS tag. EAS antenna 410 has a transmission distance, i.e. depth of field indicated by DoF 412. Scanner 406 may also comprise distance sensing system 408. Distance sensing system 408 may determine if an EAS tag is within EAS range 414. Distance sensing system 408 comprises a separate transmitter/receiver/antenna from the EAS antenna 410.

FIG. 4 also illustrates EAS tag&barcode 416 and EAS tag&barcode 418. The location of EAS tag&barcode 416 and EAS tag&barcode 418 may be determined by the distance sensing system 408. Both EAS tag&barcode 416 and EAS tag&barcode 418 can be within the range of DoF 412. EAS tag&barcode 416 is in the range of EAS range 414. Therefore, EAS device 402 can send a deactivation signal to EAS tag&barcode 416 in order to deactivate the EAS tag. Also, the scanner may send the decoded barcode data to host 407. EAS tag&barcode 418 is not within the range of EAS range 414. Therefore, the EAS tag of EAS tag&barcode 418 may not be deactivated and the decoded barcode data may be discarded.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method to manage the operation of EAS system 400 relative to an EAS range 414 and a depth of field (DoF 412) of a scanner and the reading of a barcode. The method comprises the following steps:

A product, including an EAS tag and Barcode, is placed in front of scanner 406 and inside depth of field distance, DoF 412. (step 502)

Scanner 406 decodes barcode on product and distance sensing system detects EAS tag and determines distance from scanner 406 to EAS tag. (step 504)

Compare distance from scanner 406 to an EAS tag and the EAS range 414. (step 506)

Determine if the distance from scanner 406 to an EAS tag is smaller than EAS range 414. (step 508)

Only if the distance from scanner 406 to EAS tag is smaller than EAS range 414, then scanner 406 outputs barcode decoded data to host 407 and sends a signal to EAS device 402. (step 510) Then, EAS device 402 receives the signal from scanner 406 & sends a deactivation signal via EAS antenna 410 to deactivate an EAS tag. At the same time, scanner 406 may decide when to send status message to user. (step 512). Subsequently, scanner 406 sends status message to user. (step 514)

A signal from scanner 406 to host 407 may be sent via cable 409. A signal from scanner to EAS device 402 may be sent via cable 405. EAS device 402 may send a deactivation signal to EAS antenna 410 via cable 404.

Only if the distance from scanner 406 to EAS tag is greater than EAS range 414, then the scanner 406 discards the decoded barcode data. (step 508)

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In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. 

1. A method, comprising: reading a barcode with a scanner having a depth of field (DoF); determining, with a distance sensing system, a distance between the scanner and the EAS tag; if the distance from the scanner to the EAS tag is less than an EAS range, outputting barcode data to a host, sending a signal to an EAS device to deactivate the EAS tag, and provide a positive indication to a user; and if the distance from the scanner to the barcode is greater than the EAS range, discarding the barcode data and providing a negative indication to the user; wherein the host and the EAS device are coupled to the scanner.
 2. The method according to claim 1, comprising sending, via the scanner, a status message to a user based on information received from the EAS device and scanner.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, the distance sensing system uses infrared (IR) wireless technology.
 4. The method according to claim 2, wherein, the status message is an audible message.
 5. The method according to claim 2, wherein, the status message is a visual message.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, an EAS system comprising the EAS device and the scanner is based on radio frequency technology.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, an EAS system comprising the EAS device and the scanner is based on acousto-magnetic technology.
 8. A method, comprising: determining, with a device, a distance between the device and an object; attempting to decode, with the device, a machine-readable indicia on the object; and if the determined distance between the device and the object is within a pre-defined range, generating data representative of the machine-readable indicia.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the pre-defined range is a working range of an electronic article surveillance system within the device.
 10. The method of claim 8, comprising, if the determined distance between the device and the object is not within the pre-defined range, providing a negative indication to a user of the device.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein providing a negative indication comprises generating a sound having a low tone.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein providing a negative indication comprises illuminating a light source.
 13. The method of claim 8, comprising, only if the determined distance between the device and the object is within the pre-defined range, providing a positive indication to a user of the device.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein providing a positive indication comprises generating a sound having a high tone.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein providing a positive indication comprises illuminating a light source.
 16. The method of claim 8, wherein the machine-readable indicia is a barcode.
 17. A method, comprising: decoding data of a barcode with a scanner, wherein the barcode is positioned in front of the scanner and inside a depth of field (DoF) of the scanner; determining a distance between the scanner and barcode; and if the distance from the scanner to the barcode is within a pre-defined range, outputting barcode data to a host that is coupled to the scanner and providing a positive indication to a user associated with the host.
 18. The method according to claim 17, comprising: if the distance from the scanner to the barcode is greater than the pre-defined range, discarding the barcode data and providing a negative indication to a user associated the host.
 19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the distance between the scanner and the barcode is determined by a distance sensing system.
 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, the distance sensing system is based on infrared (IR) wireless technology. 